Happily Ever After Preservation FAQs | Expert Advice

Protecting Precious Fabrics: Are your materials acid-free?

Yes, we prioritize preservation. All materials we use meet museum-quality standards, ensuring your gown remains protected.

Stains & Spills: Are there additional charges for heavily soiled dress?

No hidden fees here. We offer one flat rate for gown servicing, including minor repairs. Rest assured, we'll handle those wedding-day mishaps with care. View our packages here.

Beads & Bling: Are there additional charges for beading or embellishments?

Your gown's intricate details deserve special attention. Our flat rate covers the meticulous and delicate care of embellishments, ensuring they sparkle for years to come. This even includes any after-market additions like beaded belts! When necessary, we even remove them and the reinstall them after cleaning.

Wedding Day Mishaps: Any extra fees for gowns with significant stains?

Absolutely not! We understand celebrations can get a little messy. Our flat rate covers all gown servicing, including minor repairs, so you can relax and enjoy your special day without worry.

Preservation Timeline: How long until my gown is ready?

Our meticulous cleaning and preservation process typically takes 4-6 weeks. We are able to offer rush services for an a fee. Please send a message to arrange this before ordering.

Spilled a little celebration?

No worries! We're experts at tackling even the toughest wine stains. With our specialized training and proven techniques, we'll work magic to restore your gown to its pristine beauty.

Peace of Mind: Is my gown insured during shipping?

Absolutely! Your precious gown is insured from the moment it leaves your hands until it's safely returned, providing complete protection throughout both transit and our preservation process.

Aloha & North to Alaska!

We happily ship to all 50 states, including Hawaii and Alaska. However, due to increased shipping costs, there might be an additional charge for these locations and other U.S. territories.

To ensure a smooth process, please email us your address beforehand, and we'll confirm any extra fees and make sure everything is set for your order.

Paperwork Mishap?

No problem! We're happy to resend your gown order paperwork, shipping labels, or even the entire mailer kit. Simply reach out to us by email or phone, and we'll get everything sorted out for you.

Different Addresses: Can my mailer kit and return package go to separate locations?

Absolutely, this is quite common! We can easily send your mailer kit to one address and the preserved gown to another. Simply fill out the Gown Detail Form included in your mailer kit and indicate your request in the address section. We'll update your account accordingly when we receive your gown. Alternatively, feel free to email us this information, and we'll handle it from there.

Original Garment Bag: Can I send it with my gown?

We kindly request that you keep the original garment bag at home.

Showcasing the Details: How will my accessories be displayed in the preservation box?

We carefully arrange your accessories to enhance the presentation, though visibility may vary depending on the item. Veils are gracefully draped along the top and sides, offering a peek through the display window. To protect your gown, shoes are wrapped in tissue and nestled beneath it, ensuring they remain safe but hidden from view. Have questions about specific accessories? Feel free to text or email us photos for personalized guidance on their placement! On the services page there examples of dresses in the package.

Stay in the Loop: Will I receive tracking updates for my shipments?

Absolutely! You'll receive a tracking email every time your gown is on the move. We'll also make sure to notify you before sending back your beautifully preserved gown, ensuring you're available to receive it.
Important Note: The return shipment requires a signature upon delivery. If you'd prefer a different shipping address, just let us know. We recommend using a business address if possible for added convenience.

Secure Delivery: Why is a signature required for my preserved gown?

Your preserved gown is a cherished treasure, and we take its safe return seriously. Requiring a signature upon delivery ensures your gown is placed directly into your hands, reducing the risk of loss or damage during transit. We understand it might be slightly inconvenient, but rest assured, it's for the best protection of your precious heirloom.
Unfortunately, we cannot waive this requirement, as it's an essential part of our commitment to providing secure and reliable service. There are options for delivery. We will help make the arrangements for the delivery of your dress.

FedEx Delivery Options: What choices do I have for receiving my preserved gown?

We understand the importance of flexibility when it comes to receiving your precious gown. That's why we offer several FedEx delivery options to suit your needs:
  • FedEx Home Delivery: This is our standard option, delivering your gown right to your doorstep.
  • FedEx Hold at Location: If you prefer, you can have your gown held at a convenient FedEx location for pickup at your leisure.
  • FedEx Evening Home Delivery: Need a later delivery time? This option ensures your gown arrives between 5 pm and 8 pm.
Please note that signature confirmation is required for all FedEx delivery options to ensure the safe and secure arrival of your preserved gown. If you have any specific requests or preferences regarding delivery, feel free to reach out to us, and we'll do our best to accommodate them.

Undeliverable Package: What if my gown is returned to you?

In the rare event that FedEx is unable to deliver your gown, or if it's not picked up from a FedEx location within the hold period, it will be returned to us. We're happy to resend your gown, but please note that this will incur an additional shipping charge.
To prevent this, please ensure your shipping address is accurate and that you're available to receive or pick up your gown when it arrives. We can also assist with any changes or customization of the delivery.
 

This is our wedding gown box.

Wedding dress cleaning and preservation outer and inside of casing here at Happilyeverafterpreservation.com

Boxed with Care: What size is the preservation box?

We offer two sizes to accommodate most gowns:
  • Standard: 30x20x8 in
  • Large: 30x20x10 in

These sizes comfortably fit approximately 99% of gowns. However, some styles, like voluminous ball gowns, may require special handling. If you're unsure whether your gown will fit, please reach out to us with a photo or description, and we'll gladly advise you on the best preservation options.

Extra-Special Care: Do you offer a larger box for voluminous gowns?

Absolutely! For gowns that require a little extra space, we offer a Jumbo Preservation Box. While it differs slightly in appearance from our Prestige Preservation boxes, it provides ample room for even the most elaborate designs. Please note that there's an additional charge of $105 for the Jumbo Box. If you suspect your gown might need this option, we encourage you to send us photos before placing your order. You can reach us via email at info@happilyeverafterpreservation.com or text using the widget in the bottom right corner. Contact us page.

Mending Memories: Do you offer gown repairs?

Absolutely, we want your gown to be in its best condition. Minor repairs, such as sewing on buttons, securing loose items, or fixing beads, are included in our standard service. If we notice anything that requires attention before cleaning, we'll take care of it as well.
For delicate embellishments that might be damaged during cleaning, we carefully remove them, document their placement, and reattach them after the process is complete. This ensures your gown's intricate details remain intact and sparkling.
If your gown needs specific repairs, please mark the areas with a safety pin and a note, and include a detailed description on your Gown Detail Form. This helps us provide the personalized care your gown deserves.

Breaking the Seal: Will opening the preservation box void my warranty?

Yes, opening the inner sealed box will void the warranty. The seal is crucial for maintaining the preservation environment, protecting your gown from dust, light, and other elements that can cause damage.
However, the display box features a viewing window, allowing you to admire your gown without compromising its preservation. Visit the gallery for pictures.

Stain Removal: Can you guarantee every stain will be removed?

We understand your concern about stains, but guaranteeing complete removal isn't possible or ethical. While we're highly trained and equipped with the best tools for safe stain removal, some stains may be permanent.
Anyone claiming to remove every stain is likely not being truthful. With over 40 years of experience, we'll exhaust every safe method to clean your gown, but we won't risk damaging it in the process.
What we can guarantee is our unwavering commitment to using our expertise and resources to achieve the best possible results for your cherished gown.

Muddy Memories: Can you remove mud stains from the hem of my gown?

While we can't guarantee complete removal, we'll certainly do our best! Mud-soaked hems will undergo thorough scrubbing and soaking to lift the stains as much as possible.
Remember, we offer free gown evaluations to assess the extent of the staining and discuss your options. Feel free to send photos via text message or email them to info@happilyeverafterpreservation.com.

Will I receive after cleaning photos of my gown?

After photos are taken by request only and are an a fee.  We will happily send photos before preserving, but they must be requested and the fee paid. Photography and staging the dress takes time.  After photos are not taken automatically.

My something blue or something borrowed, can it be packaged?

Please remove anything that is pinned or tacked inside the gown, such as your something blue or something borrowed. We look for these items, but sometimes they are not seen or found. We can package them with your gown, send it along with instructions and we will be sure to add it to your package.

Timeworn Treasure: Can my 9-year-old gown with yellowing and cake stains still be preserved?

Absolutely! We welcome gowns of all ages for cleaning and preservation. While time and fabric type can influence stain removal, we're often successful in improving or completely eliminating them. We're happy to offer a free evaluation based on photos. Text or email us your images for personalized advice!

Still have more questions? Text us with the widget in the corner and speak to a real live person. Her name is Amy and she is very nice.